I thought this post was going to be about how long something can be left on the floor and still be safe to eat.
But as for the congress rule, I agree with you. It's dirty and underhanded to slide in changes without notice (didn't that happen with the Patriot Act?). Congressmen need enough time to be able to read... or at least scan over the bill and any changes well before it is time to vote on it.
It seems more and more our politicians care more about the game and what's good for the party rather than legitimacy and what's good for the constituents. Government officials often forget that people on the other side are constituents too.

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"It's never over... BOY!"
The Tall Man, Phantasm III